April 5th started off with sunny skies which helped to warm things up. The sun in addition to a developing low pressure system in Kansas pushed a warm front northward into Iowa. The front stalled out along and south of Highway 34, leaving areas north of the boundary in the 60s, while those to the south rose into the 70s.
The sunshine coupled with increasing moisture levels resulted in thunderstorm development during the afternoon and evening. Some of the thunderstorms were severe, producing large hail and damaging winds. In addition, frequent lightning also accompanied the storms, with one lightning strike damaging a house.

Event Narrative

Wind gusts estimated to be 75 mph were observed about 1 mile east of East Dubuque, IL around 1110 pm April 5.